SAFETY IN ARC WELDING
When arc welding, observe the following general safety practices.
1. Wear gloves and eye and face protection. The welder and all observers must wear welding helmets with a No. 10 or 12 filter lens. A welding cap or helmet with a hard hat is also recommended for head protection. When chipping slag or cleaning welds, wear a clear face shield or flip-up liftplate on the helmet.
2. Avoid electrical shock. Make certain that the electrode holder and all electrical connections and cables are properly insulated. Check to see that the welder is properly grounded. Do not dip the electrode holder in water to cool it because this practice may result in electrical shock.
3. Protect others. For small and practice welding jobs, work in a partitioned area to protect others from harmful rays. When prepared to strike the arc, inform all bystanders to cover their eyes.
4. Never weld in a damp area. Stand on a dry board or rubber mat if the floor or ground is damp or wet.
5. Never wear synthetic fiber clothing. Synthetic fibers are highly flammable. Wearing clothing made from wool or cotton is more satisfactory for welding because of their relatively high flash points.
6. Protect welding cables. Keep the cables from coming in contact with hot metal and sharp edges. Do not drive over cables. When welding, avoid wrapping electrode cables around your body.
7. Secure work. Use a welding table with a positioner to hold welds securely in place. Clamps and vises can be used to hold odd-shaped work or field work. Securing work will also prevent injury from accidental dropping of metal on your feet or body.
8. Dispose of electrode stubs properly. Keep a container in the work area in which to deposit electrode stubs. This prevents burns to shoes or falls due to stubs rolling underfoot.
9. Prevent burns. Never allow the hot electrode or electrode holder to touch bare skin. Avoid letting the electrode touch a grounded cable. Remove hot metal from the work area when you are finished welding to prevent burns to others.
10. Do not let the electrode stick. If the electrode sticks, cut off the switch, allow the electrode to cool, and then break it loose with your gloved hand.
11. Use both hands. To reduce fatigue, use both hands for welding.
12. Handle hot metal with pliers or tongs. Submerge hot metal completely in water to prevent steam burns.
13. Weld in a well-ventilated area. The fumes from lead, zinc, cadmium, and beryllium are toxic and may cause sickness or death.
14. Do not carry matches or lighters, and do not allow bystanders to smoke. Before welding, make sure the welding area is free of other flammables (gas, grease, etc.).